The “truck” has officially left the station.
While Philadelphia-area residents continue to battle frigid temperatures and lingering snow, the Phillies are already looking south. Beginning next week, the Fightin’ Phils will return to Clearwater, Florida, marking the official start of Spring Training.
After another disappointing postseason exit last fall, both players and fans are eager to turn the page on 2025 and start fresh. That process begins with pitchers and catchers reporting on February 11, followed by the full team’s arrival on February 16.
But what truly signals the first signs of spring? In Philadelphia, it’s Truck Day.
Tuesday marked the Phillies’ annual Truck Day, as club staff loaded one truck and three trailers for the more than 1,000-mile journey to Clearwater, officially putting Spring Training in motion.
As the Phillies shared on social media, the shipment includes everything needed to prepare for camp, from equipment to apparel. The truck is carrying:
- Baseballs: 2,400
- Shirts and batting practice tops: 2,500
- Bats: 1,200
- Pairs of socks: 900
- Batting practice hats: 600
- Pairs of pants: 600
- Fleeces and jackets: 440
- Pairs of shorts: 350
- Batting gloves: 300
- Batting helmets: 140
- Belts: 125
- Pairs of spikes and turf shoes: 75
- Coolers: 20
“This is an exciting sign that Phillies baseball is just around the corner,” said Phil Sheridan, the Phillies’ director of clubhouse services. “Thanks to Citizens, our equipment truck will have an All-Star design, so our fans can spot it on the road as it makes its 1,058-mile journey from Philadelphia to Clearwater.”
The 2026 season will be the Phillies’ 22nd year training at BayCare Ballpark and their 80th spring training overall in Clearwater, continuing a long-standing relationship between the club and the city.
The Phillies will open their Spring Training schedule on February 21 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The regular season begins March 26, when the Phillies host the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.